Live At The BBC [Live, Original recording remastered]

I guess it's easy to overlook this CD. It came out before all the hype over the anthology, and had been cut out by that time. Also, for some reason, many regard the Beatles' early recordings (before Rubber Soul and Revolver) as dismissable.

Boy, are they missing out! Music does not have to impart a profound (or pretentious, depending on how you look at it) message in the lyrics to be profound. Just listen to Lennon's reading of Baby It's You on this collection and you'll know what I mean.

Maybe it's just a matter of perspective. Maybe younger fans just aren't looking for that niave rush that these guys generated with these songs. Maybe they need to feel that they are finding "the word". If so, they probably will find this album "kid stuff". But, believe me, it's not. In most cases, they lend more grace, excitement and musicainship to these songs than the original artists did, and in some cases that's no mean feat. Plus, they had impeccable taste in the songs they chose to cover. This CD is more than an historical document; much, much more. These are great songs, all given the Beatle touch, at a time when the Beatles were still hungry and at a performing peak. That would soon change.

But, this CD is relatively overlooked. I shouldn't be surprised, because Please, Please Me, With The Beatles and most disappointing, Hard Day's Night are also bringing up the rear in sales. That's a shame, because those CDs, like this one, contain the finest examples of early 60s music that exist, and, believe me, that is really saying something.

This is a classic record. It contains not only textbook examples of what made the Beatles great musically, but also some of the banter and humor that made them such cultural icons. The banter and the humor, like the music, stands up to repeated listening. If the Beatles music has moved you, and you haven't heard this CD, you should do yourself a favor and see what all the fuss was about.

Inveterate Beatle fans will love this collection; for folks just getting familiar with the Beatles or who prefer the more well known songs, e.g. "Can't Buy Me Love," "A Hard Day's Night" will certainly appreciate all the fine music these CDs have to offer.

Each Beatle is individual, unique and distinct and it is that individuality that shines through like a beacon during their performances and interviews. Their musical blends "Come Together" nicely; George demonstrates excellent, strong lead guitar playing on early rock and roll hits such as "Young Blood," "Lucille" and "Nothin' Shakin." Indeed, it is George Harrison's treatment of such early classics that add to the appeal of this collection; he demonstrated a real flair for rockabilly style.

Ringo maintained a steady beat and provided humorous insights into the Beatle banter of the day; John regaled his listening audience with his gift for natural expression and Paul remained, in a sense, the spokesman. Paul, also could hold his own during a light hearted exchange. However, it is McCartney who provided the most serious answers and insights into Beatle exchanges and issues related to the group. One could regard Paul as the Ambassador; he provides a strong voice of reason and background into the world's most successful band.

Timeless classics such as "Things We Said Today," "A Hard Day's Night" and "Can't Buy Me Love" are included in this collection. Interviews with the Beatles are interspersed throughout the collection; the wide range of songs from early rock classics of the 1950s to their own then current hits make for an enjoyable listening experience. It is truly a lesson in the early days of rock and roll; one listens to the Beatles' interpretations and opinions of the early rock pioneers and one gets a real sense of how these early rockers influenced the Beatles to the extent that they did.

Previously unrecorded Lennon-McCartney tunes such as the haunting "I'll Be On My Way" are included on these CDs. The beautiful ballad was later recorded by Billy J. Kramer & the Dakotas, contemporaries of the Beatles who had a short-lived stint in the rock and roll sun. Chuck Berry is honored throughout the collection; John Lennon's treatment of "Too Much Monkey Business" will delight most listeners and certainly encourage people to dance! "Sweet Little Sixteen" and "Roll Over Beethoven" have also been included on these CDs; "Johnny B. Goode" and "Memphis Tennessee" all stand as musical testament to how Chuck Berry strongly influenced the Beatles' sense of music and style.

This collection is such a worthwhile treat. It is truly a gift -- the gift of the Beatles' previously unrecorded work being made available for the listening public. It is something that will certainly be appreciated, loved and played many times.